Things to do in 10-15 minutes

Many of us know we should take breaks throughout the day, but we often don’t. We may find it difficult because of work or caring for others. Even 10-15 minutes is enough to reduce stress. Let’s commit to taking 10-15 minutes today to do something for ourselves. Here are some ideas to get started: 

• Get outside. Take a nature walk or city hike. Remember to wear a mask and stay 6 feet from others. 
• Take a dance break!
• Write three things you are grateful for today. 
• Giving back to others can help you too. Take a look at volunteer opportunities that interest you through a site such as VolunteerMatch. 
• Take a break from the news today… watch or listen to something fun.
• Wash your face or rinse your hands in cool water to reduce tension and calm nerves. 
• Check in with a friend, family member or neighbor. Talk by phone, video chat or visit in person while maintaining proper distance and wearing masks. 
• Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. 
• Laugh! Think of someone who makes you laugh or the last time you laughed so hard you cried. 
• Channel your energy into a quick cleaning of your home. Things to do in 10-15 minutes #HowRightNow
• Exercise. Lift weights. Do push-ups or sit-ups. Kick around a soccer ball. 
• Make and enjoy a cup of tea and relax in a comfortable place. 
• Consider a new hobby, such as playing a musical instrument, gardening, trying a new recipe, working on a crossword puzzle or knitting. 
• Connect with your faith through prayer or reach out to a member of your faith community. 
• If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, sadness or depressed mood, use this time to make an appointment with a counselor. 
• Check in with yourself—take time to ask yourself how you are feeling. 
• Curl up with a book or magazine in a comfortable place. 
• Practice relaxation exercises or yoga. 
• Find an inspiring song or quote and write it down (or screenshot it) so you have it nearby.
• See how others are taking 10-15 minutes to care for themselves:

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